I'm looking to either buy a 97-00 Ram 1500, or a 96-2000 Ram 2500 diesel. I've never owned a diesel before, so I don't know exactly what I could be getting myself into. I know they have more power, get better fuel economy, and typically last longer. On the other hand, I've heard they don't start well in cold weather, and I live in Wisconsin... Other than that, I don't know too much. I would be using this as a daily driver, and as an off road warrior every other weekend or so (nothing to serious, snow/mud, no water)...
If you could tell me your experiences, both positive and negative, it would help me make this decision!

 

What do you plan on doing on the weekends? and how many times are you going to hook the hitch up? and how much weight do you plan on pulling with the tow package? I have a 98 1500 with a tired 5.2L. Its alright, it needs a refresher. Diesels are fun though.

 

On weekends I usually bring my Jeep out to the mud pits, or snow depending on season, and do a little trail riding. My plans for the truck would be a 3-5" lift, some A/T terrians, and it would be more of a daily driver than anything else. I don't tow stuff, unless it's a small trailer full of branches across the yard, nor would I use a plow on the truck.

 

Starting it in the Wisc. weather should not be a problem... there are additives used to prevent gelling of the fuel. I'd go for the diesel...

 

Drive one of each. Youll end up getting a diesel. The Cummins dont have problems starting cold. Ive started both of mine in -20, not plugged in, and they fired right up. Diesel is the ONLY way to go. Gassers just dont have it anymore...

 

I think you said it all: more power, last longer, better mileage (but the higher price of diesel ALMOST negates the mileage).

Don't worry about the cold in Wisconsin, there are ways to prevent the issues that cold temps do to diesel.

Go with diesel, you'll love it!

 

Either way you are geting a solid front axle 4x4. I would go with a diesel 2500, not as heavy as a 3500 and still get things done. Do anything to sqeeze out more possible mileage on that diesel though.

 

only difference between 2500 and 3500 is the 3500 has overload springs and has higher tow/load capacity, virtually same vehcile wieghts, just different badging.

 

Gas prices will be going up very soon, and I doubt diesel will stay at almost a dollar more, so I think a diesel makes sense in the long run I plan on lifting it & going with bigger tires, and the 1500s with that setup are lucky to get 11 mpg highway, a diesel with the same setup will get at least 16 highway. A family friend has a 2000 ram 2500 5.9 cummins with 5" lift, 35 Nitto Mud Grapplers, and it has over 250K miles, and he still gets over 15 highway with it.

 

Yup! Also, owning a diesel is like being part of a club since not everyone drives one.

So... Did we convince you?????